Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make one tall glass (about 12–14 ounces) of this fruity, layered drink:
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½ cup mango juice (chilled) – Preferably 100% juice for pure flavor.
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½ cup orange juice (chilled) – Fresh-squeezed or store-bought, but not from concentrate.
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¼ cup strawberry purée – You can use fresh strawberries blended with a bit of water or thawed frozen strawberries.
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1 tsp lemon juice – Fresh is best for brightness.
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1 tsp honey or simple syrup (optional) – Use if your juices aren’t sweet enough.
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Ice cubes – For chilling and layering.
Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):
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Fresh strawberry slice
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A small mango wedge
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A sprig of mint
Instructions
Creating the perfect Strawberry Mango Horizon requires a gentle hand and thoughtful layering. Here’s how to build it:
Step 1: Make the Strawberry Purée
If using fresh or frozen strawberries:
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Blend 3–4 large strawberries with 1 tablespoon of water or orange juice until smooth.
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For a smoother consistency, strain the purée through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
Mix in 1 tsp lemon juice and 1 tsp honey or simple syrup if desired. Set aside.
Step 2: Fill the Glass with Ice
Use a tall, clear glass and fill it about three-quarters full with ice cubes. Crushed ice will give you a more blended look, while large cubes enhance the layered effect.
Step 3: Add the Strawberry Purée
Slowly pour the strawberry purée into the glass first. Let it settle at the bottom to form the red “horizon” layer.
Step 4: Combine the Juices
In a separate cup or measuring pitcher, mix the mango juice and orange juice together.
Step 5: Pour Over the Back of a Spoon
To maintain the layered look, slowly pour the juice mixture over the back of a spoon held just above the strawberry purée. This helps the juice float on top without disturbing the red layer beneath.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top the drink with a slice of strawberry, a mango wedge, and a sprig of mint for color and aroma. Serve immediately with a straw and a stirrer if desired.
Notes
This drink is a fantastic example of how vibrant and flavorful non-alcoholic drinks can be. The balance of acidity, sweetness, and texture mimics the complexity of a cocktail without any alcohol. It’s also naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it inclusive for most diets.
- Prep Time: 5–7 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 110–130 (without honey)
- Sugar: 20g
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g